Marija Basic has always enjoyed her solo walks with the dog.
Less than a year ago, she decided to try walking with others by joining the Logan and Beaudesert Bushwalkers.
The regular group walks ranging anywhere from six to 85 kilometres literally transformed her.
Her experience echos the research findings from the University of East Anglia on walking group participants.
According to the study, joining a walking group improves one’s general wellbeing.
Benefits include lower blood pressure, resting heartbeat, less body fat and better mental health.
And in Marija Basic’s case, she’s certainly found more peace.
Initially unsure of how she’d cope with the social nature of walking alongside others, but after joining her club, she discovered that wasn’t a problem after all.
On the other hand, research by pedestrian advocacy body Victoria Walks found that only four per cent of walkers actually join an organised group.
Its president Dr Ben Rossiter says most people join groups for the social aspect.
Dr Rossiter encourages walking in any length or form to enable stronger ties.
National guidelines recommend those aged 65 plus aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise like walking every day.
But a recent report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows that only two in five older people are sufficiently active.
Getting older patients to get more active has been on the agenda of the Australian Chiropractors Association.
The association’s president Dr Anthony Coxon says it even has an app called Just Start Walking
to promote better spinal health by encouraging people to set goals, map and share their walks.
But before signing up to a group, Dr Coxon warns that even an exercise as gentle as walking can still be potentially hazardous and thus it’s crucial that you know your limits.
Basic suggests interested walkers should do their homework to find a walk that best matches their physical level.
A common reason people don’t get moving is due to concerns of a fall.
Apart from talking to your GP or health professional, Dr Ben Rossiter recommends that you improve your walking environment by taking matters into your own hands.
Marija Basic still walks alone with her dog.
Meanwhile, walking with others has become exciting adventures she looks forward to every week.
Please consult your health practitioner before you undertake any exercise.
